The Fijian Drua have claimed a thrilling 36-34 win over Moana Pasifika at Mt Smart Stadium.
The visitors took their first lead of the match in the final 45 seconds when new recruit Taniela Rakuro dived under tackles to score in the corner.
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Moana Pasifika capitalised on a slow start from the Drua as prop Abraham Pole and hooker Chris Apoua scored in the first ten minutes.
Both teams traded tries throughout the match as a yellow card to Sam Slade got the Drua back into the contest.
Olympic gold medalist Iosefo Masi starred in the centres, scoring just before the break in a man-of-the-match performance
However, Moana maintained the lead heading into the break thanks to a late Danny Toala try.
Ikanivere’s second of the day was answered by a second to Pole as the hosts looked to start 2023 on a strong note.
Masi provided the spark needed for the Fijians, capitalising on a great set-piece to level the scores at 31-all.
Christian Lealiifano looked to have won the game for Moana when he kicked a 68th-minute penalty.
In a frenetic finish, Selesitino Ravutaumada burst down the sidelines with two minutes to go, creating the speed to allow substitute Rakuro to score the winner in the corner.
It caps a dream week for Rakuro, who was only signed on a short-term full time deal on Wednesday.
A final push from Maoan Pasifika got them within the Drua’s half, before a crucial knock on allowed Mick Byrne’s side to close out the game.
It gives the Drua vital momentum heading into Super Round, travelling to Melbourne to face the NSW Waratahs.
Meanwhile, Moana Pasifika will be wondering how that game slipped away from them after a vastly improved performance, needing to rebound quickly before Saturday’s clash with the Chiefs.
